Dear 9-year-old me, ⁠⁠
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Lately I’ve been remembering back to the time in which you live. There are so many happy memories with Mom, the aunts, your sisters and your best friend. I often get so caught up in all the hard memories that I don’t spend much time remembering the good ones too.⁠⁠
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Never forget how loved you are. Don’t harbor ill feelings toward the ones you don’t think love you. It’s not that they don’t love you, they just don’t know how to show it. They get caught up in their own junk and take it out on you. Don’t let their mistakes destroy your joy.⁠⁠
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Your little sisters are your best friends. You may not believe that now, but one day it will be true. Keep loving them, even when it is hard, and know that one day you will deeply cherish each other.⁠⁠
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When you are barely in your 20s, you will get married and it will be the biggest mistake of your life. Don’t hate yourself for it, but learn from it. You will experience death and resurrection, but only if you allow it. You’ll learn to be a better wife, and you will find true love. Stay open to it, even when it feels scary.⁠⁠
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One day you’ll be a mom and it will fill your heart with more joy than you ever thought possible. Don’t ignore your motherly instincts. God created you for this. God will be there every step of the way to guide you and to love you. Ignore the experts when they tell you how your babies should sleep. You’re smart. Do your research. Let your instinct be your guide.⁠⁠
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For now, try to be a child. Don’t let the weight of the world get you down. Read all those books you want to read. Go outside more—you’ll find happiness in nature. You will get dirty, but learn to embrace the dirt. It can be fun! And it’s a great excuse to take a bubble bath.⁠⁠
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Adulthood is long and sometimes hard. You’ll need playfulness and a sense of humor to get you through. Master that now and your life will be full of joy, no matter what troubles come your way.⁠⁠
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Whatever happens, never forget who you are, and whose you are. ⁠⁠
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Beloved child of God.⁠⁠
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Love,⁠⁠
40-year-old Me